Let’s get down to earth for a second. My column here at the DiG has always been about going out and doing the undone, finding wonders buried in the dirt and sharing them with you all. My goal has always been to encourage Gwinnettians to seek out ways of living that are not obvious, not repetitive and above all else: not the norm.
When I first heard about the human tradition of Christmas, I was delighted, hearing that a man burrows through chimneys across the world like a flying worm of charity, delivering presents and spreading cheer. Then, I learned that this man consumes nothing but cookies and milk along that joyous journey, and I saw an opportunity to make a change. We in Gwinnett should come together and offer this Saint Nick something different, something to remember us by.
One thing I know about Santa is that he does his work at night. Instead of the sleep-inducing glass of milk, why not offer him something to boost his energy? Leaving a Mocha Latte from Break Coffee Roasters in Lawrenceville upgrades his normal drink with a boost of caffeine and a sweet chocolate flavor. If you’d rather give him a palette-cleanser, swing by Haven Bodega in Lilburn to pick up a Fresco, a seasonally-flavored sparkling water mixed with natural syrups, herbs and juices!
For his snack, we in Gwinnett can surely do better than a simple cookie. Sticking with sweetness, you could leave out some Maple Pecan Dream donuts from Duluth’s Luxury Vegan Donuts! With all the flavor of normal donuts from a company that seeks to promote a more sustainable and compassionate world, you’d be reserving your spot on the nice list. If you’d rather give him a treat as cold as the North Pole, grab a Turtle Sundae from Beren’s Frozen Custard in Grayson. The mix of cold custard with hot fudge, caramel, pecans and whipped cream will make your house a highlight of Santa’s night.
When prepping for the night before Christmas, a personal touch goes a long way. Next time Santa passes through your home, make sure he knows he’s in Gwinnett by giving him a little piece of our county to take with him across the world. And while you’re at it, why not make it delicious?